Barack Obama's Sad Sausage-Making Foreign Policy

Rothenberg, Stuart, Roll Call

They say that the process of making sausage isn't pretty, but all
that matters is how it tastes. And often, that applies to politics,
as well.

The political process can be messy, with bad decisions along the
way, but if the outcome is popular, the process doesn't matter at
all. That's why those of us in the political analysis business often
fall back on the trite -- but true -- response that the proof is in
the pudding.

So, even though the Obama administration has looked confused,
erratic and in way over its head on Syria, and most members of
Congress have behaved like scared children, the Syrian "crisis" may
yet blow over, with relatively little long-lasting effect on our
politics -- or on the 2014 midterms and the 2016 presidential
election.

But even if that is the case -- and it is far too early to know
now -- the White House's handling of the controversy and Capitol
Hill's reaction to it have been nothing short of sad.

First the president of the United States draws a red line,
promising action if it is crossed. Then, when Syria crosses the
line, he prepares for action, saying that absolutely, positively, a
military response is necessary.

Then, at the last minute, he apparently changes his mind and
figures that passing the buck to Congress to authorize military
action is a good idea. But, of course, he won't say what he'll do if
Congress fails to authorize action. …

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